How long until Bangladesh can overtake 1 of the top 8 teams?

[Henners]

Well, this world cup has showed us that Bangladesh can beat the decent teams, on more than 1 occaision. With SA beaten by Bangladesh, that shows a lot.

But how long do you think it will be until Bangladesh will take over the worst of the top 8? It looks as if it will be WI or Pakistan. India also seem to be weakening. England, I believe will never sink belowe Bangladesh before someone else does. I would say West Indies though, they seem to be getting worse. Now with Lara retired, it is a new era for them and it may not be the best era.

I have heard suggestions which say that Bangladesh, Zimbawbe, Kenya, Ireland...etc should play test cricket against each other and the best as an award should play test cricket against the best. I agree, but if you take the lowest of the top 8, than that team will just hammer everybody and the games will become les popular. But I think test cricket for the lesser teams is a good idea, but making the worst of the top team play the other lesser teams is not.

[Karthik]

I don't think it might be India,Pakistan or England.It will probably be West Indies but it is unlikely.

[Henners]

It could take 30 years or so, but they are easily the 9th best team in the world but lack consistancy. They need to produe he players really. West Indies haven't had any considerably great players since...Brian Lara, hmm where has he gone? Courtney Walsh has gone and the era of West Indies dominance looks far fetched. You never know, Australia could be in as much trouble as West Indies in 30 years time.

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Henners

. You never know, Australia could be in as much trouble as West Indies in 30 years time.

I seriously doubt that, Australia have a terrific domestic set up and have a terrific Academy. All of which will ensure they maintain their dominance. The West Indies were complacent and just thought players would just appear as they had always done.

The fact is until Bangladesh put in place a strong first class system they will never over take any of the Top 8. They have followed up their awful final Test against India with another lame performance in the first Innings against Sri Lanka.

They need to do two things urgently, and the fact is because Test status was rushed this was never done properly

1. Put in place a strong domestic first class set up
2. More games against A teams and Lower Level teams, and stop playing Tests against any of the top 8, until they can dominate the Lesser teams (I would love to see a two-tier Test system)

Test status is just a name, it can be maintained while they play the lower teams. There is no point them playing against Teams that are not just going to beat them, but thrash them.

Please don't get me wrong I am not some protectionist of Test status, but I genuinely feel that playing Tests is not making a single bit of difference to their development, (in fact I see it making things worse!!). I would love to see Bangladesh become more competitive, I just feel that playing Tests is not helping.

[Seamer]

I reckon within 5 years, they will have overtaken the West Indies because cricket is on the wane in the W.I while cricket is on the rise in Bangledesh

I was very impressed with Bangledesh's effort in Australia's first test played against Bang. in Bang. They almost beat a full strength Aus side - check it out

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2...13APR2006.html

[flanflinger]

Seamer,

But this is a classic example of the problem, they are talented but they just cannot seem to consistently out perform the opposition - so they did well in the first innings, but could not maintain that level of performance. If they had a better domestic set up, and were used to playing over fours days this may help.

How many of their Tests have actually lasted a full four days let alone five!! They have done well in occasional ODI's but that is no help in attempting to maintain a high standard in Tests.

Secondly, they also don't know how to win, they get in a potentially winning position, and then lose it. If they were to play more against the ICC nations and A teams, maybe they could learn how to win?

[Seamer]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

Seamer,

But this is a classic example of the problem, they are talented but they just cannot seem to consistently out perform the opposition

I see your point FF, and i agree they should be playing the "A" teams and the teams ranked 7 and 8. For a while now, i have been keen to see the tests split into two divisions.

That said, i remember when we regularly flogged S.L during the 80's (when Australia were very weak no less) yet a decade later, they were right up there.

I think Bang need to prepare turning wickets and focus on spin bowling and produce batsmen that are good at playing on those wickets. Yes they will get flogged when playing abroad, but they will be competitive while at home. This will enable them to learn how to win against the good teams - in particular England, S.A and Australia